Preschooler Week 86

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Being Mannerly

There is no specific time to teach manners.  “Ok, my child, it’s time to talk about saying please.” No, manners happen throughout the day.  Your child is watching your every move.  When your child hears you use the words “please” and “thank you “ throughout the day she is learning through your examples.  As one preschool teacher once said, “Manners are caught, not taught.” I couldn’t agree more! 

Researches have proven that children with good manners have more friends and do better in school.  Kids like to be with other children who are nice.  These social graces will move your child far in life.  You realize that you are more apt to respond positively to a polite person than one who is the opposite.  It’s human nature. 

Some of the key phrases every child should learn are “please”, “thank you” and “no thank you”.  Next on the list is “you’re welcome”.  Finally, it’s using the phrases, “May I…” and “excuse me”.  These phrases should become mastered and used daily.

Praise your child when you witness her using her manners.  Point out the good behavior as soon as possible.  You can say something like, “Wow, did you see how the cashier smiled when you thanked her for the toy token!”  It only takes a second of our time to offer praise and instill the importance of good manners and how it affects others.  When your child forgets to use her manners, simply remind her by saying, “Before you ask for the dish to be passed, say please.”

I have two children and I’ve always observed that when I praise one of them for using good manners then immediately the other one steps it up a notch and begins to use manners also.  Interestingly enough, if one child has a breakdown in manners, the other gives twice the effort in impressing me with manners and kindness.  See how important the world of social behavior is to young children?  Each of our actions makes an impression on the child.  I think about this when we are in public and I witness another person (adult or child) acting unkind.  These scenarios are perfect discussion points for future conversation about manners.  Build up your child’s social development and improve her social graces each day!  She will develop into a well liked, kind young girl who other’s enjoy being around!

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